I do not care about the past Presidents' policies –- whether they did or did not do thus and such. The man needs to understand that most true Americans agree with this. Americans don't need to see the red power tie –- we already know the thrust. This is an "art of the deal" tactic that should be reserved for negotiations with others –- not your own country. I expect our President to sing our praises (which he did), and I definitely expect the man to at least be moved enough to mouth the words of some of our most patriotic songs--it's the little details that tell.

This is NOT "The Apprentice" –- or maybe it is? You have a President of the United States witnessing a Fourth Of July celebration, and the guy can't sing????? I don't give one rat's ass what the detractors say –- and he shouldn't either. If he cared, he would have sung. It's gotta come from your gut.

And the tie?? Maybe you missed the book THE ART OF THE DEAL.

Nothing new about the use of military hardware??? Am I to expect that just because it happened in the past or happens with regularity that it is ok? People are murdered with great regularity in our country –- does that make it "ok"? If you don't see the connection here, you should be a contributor to CNN.

The majority of your reply wreaks of media bias rhetoric; most of the criticisms are inferred based on your point of view. Take [the] viewpoint of the opposition and you will find some serious inequities.

I did spend four years in the Air Force during Vietnam, so don't give me rhetoric about war. I lost too many friends in that one, ok?

The economy is in good shape –- but at what cost? The guy reduces our national parks by 50 percent so they can be opened up for ecologically disastrous mining operations (absolutely unacceptable). Coal power plant limitations [have been] rolled back to stimulate that dead industry instead of $ spent to retrain the coal miners in newer tech, which gets them out of the mines (saving their lives) and infuses the workforce with new ideas. There is NO logical argument that can compete with this.

My granddaughters' future is being mortgaged for quick spurts in employment and dead-end construction in the present. The man appears to have no vision –- at least the actions he has taken to date do not demonstrate this. Maybe he does, but it is not apparent, and it needs to be.

Global warming is a fact. We live in a closed system on our planet; you can't put a refrigerator in a sealed room and expect the temp to go down. Can't happen –- wake up, dude!

I will give you this –- there is no viable Democratic candidate that can beat this man at the present. Every one of them is [an] absolute nutcase. The real criticism is that he didn't dump the barrel full of them two years ago.

--------------------------

From Laura:

My reply addressed the points you made in your initial letter. Now you’re bringing in quite a few additional points, some of which have nothing to do with the “Salute to America.” On the bright side, I’m glad to hear that you share the President’s vision --- yes, he does have a vision --- of draining the swamp.

But please excuse me if I assumed you were a reflexive Trump-hater, as your first letter read exactly like one written by such a person. (Your second letter just reads mostly like that.) You should know that many “true Americans” wrote to say that they’re just fine with the President wearing a red tie on this occasion, and I’d be willing to bet that quite a few are familiar with THE ART OF THE DEAL and the concept of the “power tie.” They are also fine with Trump moving his lips or not. As you rightly pointed out, the President did “sing our praises.” His fine speech did that.

Thank you so much, Gary, for your years of service in Vietnam. I am sorry for the losses you undoubtedly suffered, but that doesn’t mean you get to dismiss my strongly held personal feelings about the symbolism provided by magnificent military fly-overs and a couple of tanks as mere “rhetoric.” Also, giving consideration to tradition and historical context is not anything like giving the thumbs-up to murder because it has happened a lot. And to suggest that if I don’t see that bizarre comparison I might belong on CNN...well, them’s fightin’ words.

We’ll have to leave it at that. But I would like you to see this moving letter from another Vietnam vet, Bradley:

“As a Vietnam vet, I served in an unpopular war and came home to an ungrateful country that vilified me and my brothers-in-arms. I felt a stranger in my own country. After years of not talking about my service, at 49 I bought a buddy poppy and mentioned I was a Nam vet. The person selling looked me in the eye and said welcome home. At 49 years old, I burst into tears and I felt I was finally home.

“Trump's honor [of] America and our military and veterans [on the] 4th made me feel the same way. I saw my country again. After years of belligerent bias and radical rule against all that makes us the free nation we are, the fog lifted and there it was, wonderful.”

……………………...

Oh, and here’s a thought-provoking letter from Christine, who sounds like me:

“Laura, thank you for your response to this gentleman; it was spot on. One thing I would add: I wonder if he's aware of the origin of the 1812 Overture at which he so patriotically "tears up" and was seemingly offended that the President did not. The music was composed by a Russian [Tchaikovsky –- LA] in commemoration of a Russian military victory (against Napoleon's invasion attempt). Can you imagine the comments from Trump's critics...[if he had teared up at that “Russian” music]? Assuming, of course, that they even know any of that. And what about the cannon fire at the end? How aggressive! Is he trying to start a war?! They would've gotten at least a week of Trump-bashing out of that one.”

Finally, this gem from William:

“Next time, he should wear a red tie with gray M1 Abrams tanks, white minuteman missiles and black m16s on it.”

From Laura:

Go for it, Mr. President!

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Comments 1-19 of 19

Rev. Sam Martin

07/15/2019 07:45 AM

This guy is not one of us. He is a wolf in sheep’s clothes. President Trump is doing fine. He has done more for our country than all the democratic candidates combined in his first year. If you really read what this guy was saying he is not with us so he is against us.

07/10/2019 03:54 AM

Firewagon

07/09/2019 08:11 PM

Interesting little debate? From my personal perspective, Gary reminds of those who upon returning from Vietnam became anti-something or other, war, America's government, or even anti-reality. An example might be the movie 'Born on The 4th of July,' which, though I never viewed the thing, was an honored, by the movie industry of course, anti-war film about one Marine, Ron Kovic, and his experiences in the Vietnam war, which accounted for him becoming paralyzed, and, later, an anti-war activist.

He is, like John "Swift Boat" Kerry, just another global warming, tree hugging, activist, or at least an activist wannabe, upset that the president has enabled America to become "ENERGY INDEPENDENT," for the first time in more than several decades, by exploring and recovering OUR OWN resources, remember the gas lines in '73?! At least he voted for President Trump, or claims to have, but exactly what did he think he was voting for?

I'm just guessing, Laura, that Gary thought you 'assumed' he had no point of reference regarding military machines of war, "don't give me rhetoric about war," and pointed out his service; however, your response indicated no such thing, and his retort was gratuitous and off-topic. Just as if I added that I actually, at age 24, buried more than my share of Marines my own age, even younger and older, during that time! Shared tears with the family members, after our volley and that bugle started playing 'TAPS.' Those 50,000+ NOT coming home, unaided, like Gary, DESERVED that parade and ANY display in honor of their service and ALL IN sacrifice.

Mike Smith

07/09/2019 07:10 PM

One more mention about the red tie:

On July 3rd and 4th, people all over were wearing red ties. It wasn't just President Trump. Maybe that guy didn't notice that the idea is to have Red, White and Blue in your outfit. A red suit coat or red shirt is just too much.

Harold Levi

07/09/2019 06:49 PM

The Battle Hymen of the Republic is an Insult to Southerners. Yes, I understand most of you do not care. But, like Lincoln, you want our money and votes and do not care about Southerners or Africans. Try God Bless America next time or, heaven forbid, the Star Spangle Banner.

Anna Goforth

07/09/2019 06:39 PM

I’m very disappointed in the two letters from “Gary.” I’m a retired jail nurse with psyche nursing experience. Also a Vet. What I read, reads like a con job similar to what I heard everyday from the convicts I faced. If he’s not being duplicitous outright, he’s lying to himself. His comments on the first letter, reinforced by the second remind me of the type of person who say they don’t like the President’s policies because Mr. Trump has a double chin. The double standards expressed make me feel that he is a very troubled man. Perhaps he should remember that of the people alive today, no one walks on water and that Mr. Trump is the only person standing between us and a complete loss of the Country & our Constitution.

Lelia Ann Francis

07/09/2019 05:55 PM

How sad that one can hardly notice a Trump supporter in "Gary's Message." The negativism was so strong, it was next to impossible to recognize one who says he supports Trump. What kind of affect do his words have on those who read them? "Oh, Lord, put a guard over my mouth and keep watch at the door of my lips."

steve citron

07/09/2019 05:20 PM

Ms Nauman is right on the button with her response. Wish I had said that !I am old enough to remember Eisenhower's words about the horror's of war, and seen the Kennedy's murdered, seen Ronald Reagan, tell Gorbachev to "Tear down that wall", seen Israel suffer massive casualties in two attempts to eradicate them, which continues to this day, and we have just survived an attack from within from Barack Obama, and his "forty thieves". !!That was 8 years wasted !! NOW when we can hold our heads up high, and make this country something like it should be, we have detractors from the public who cannot see the light. As someone who does volunteer work to support our active, and retired service people, and their DEPENDENTS, who deserve an accolade for being the anchors to those in uniform . If any retiree's need help, call your local "Retiree Activities Office" at any military installation for help.

Harry Eich

07/09/2019 03:46 PM

Gary is a Democrat. I wish you had asked him how many times he voted for Obama. He says it is not important what past presidents have done and "real Americans" don't care. Oh really? I would think 8 years of Obama would be enough for him to be critical about something! My take is that Gary is a Democrat that would vote Obama for a 3rd term if possible. The only reason he didn't vote for Hillary is he was afraid she would have finished destroying the economy. Apparently he likes prosperity more than leftist ideology.

Robert Pound

07/09/2019 03:14 PM

Dear Laura,If you read Gary's comments closely you will see he says that he was IN the Air Force during the Vietnam War, not that he was actually ever in Vietnam. It appears the man with no vision is the one with nothing better to do with his time but worry about the color of a man's tie.

My question, Is there a hotline number for these people to call to find out what they are supposed to be outraged by on that day?

Have a great day.Robert

Doug Moon

07/09/2019 03:13 PM

Where can I get that tie?!

Patricia Cochran

07/09/2019 03:01 PM

Well said, Laura! Well said! It's a good thing this president is tough. Were he a lesser man, he would never have withstood the "slings and arrows" directed at him from every conceivable angle from those determined to bring him down at whatever cost. Nothing he does will satisfy the haters, and nothing they conjure up will stand against him in the eyes of those who trust him to protect America. I think the tribute to her military was an honorable undertaking for those who stand now as sentry and those who stood before. So many fighting until they fell, giving their lifeblood that liberty might not die at the hands of her enemies. I think, too, that it is time our nation reminds her allies and her foes of the power and might inherent in the flag we salute. For too long our resolve has been tested and found wanting in the oval office. The world needs to know our president will uphold his word with the formidable might of our fighting forces behind him. We need straight talk. Neither peace nor respect lies in innuendo and mollycoddling but in strength and intrepid steadfastness. Freedom sometimes costs more than the heart can bear, but its loss is anathema to the soul. This lionhearted man, our president, has earned my gratitude, respect and prayers. I love my country, and I love his red tie, because it speaks to me of HIS love for her and makes me proud. May God bless him and give him the fortitude to fight on. The enemy wages war on all fronts.

Bruce Vanderhoef

07/09/2019 02:31 PM

Gary, I too served 4 years in the Air Force during Viet Nam and didn't loose "too many" friends as you mention. You act like you were in the Marines or Army and saw combat first hand. This is one of many inconsistencies in your comment that makes me wonder if you ever voted for Trump. Sadly Gary, you believe the junk science of global warming and fail to believe that God is able to sustain the planet. Spend time with the Bible rather than CNN and you'll more positive. While some areas of the planet are warmer, some are cooler. I noticed that Alaska is setting heat records..... just like in 1919. We are told to be good stewards of the land. Here in Idaho, we had record snowpack in the mountains and an unusually cool and moist spring. Do I believe in climate change? You bet, it's called seasons.....

Michelle Anderson

07/09/2019 02:27 PM

I love Laura’s replies. I find them snarky which entertains me. Keep up the good work. MAGA

Pat Hayslip

07/09/2019 02:06 PM

Mike Huckabee, i don’t know where you found Laura, but she is one of the best writers I have had the pleasure to read. She does her homework, is succinct, honest and stays with the subject at hand. My husband is a Vietnam vet and agreed with President Trump’s handling, his dress and most of all his speech at the Salute to America. God bless him & you guys for keeping us informed of current events.

Ron Carmony

07/09/2019 01:37 PM

Nope, Gary, Laura didn't miss your point. Neither did the rest of us who waded through the banality of your rant.

Pam Junkersfeld

07/09/2019 01:06 PM

Mr. President, I can’t thank you enough for being our President and as strong as you are. These days are not for the weak. Please know that you are loved, as is your beautiful grace filled wife and all of your family. You are prayed for daily. Thank you again Sir for your service. God Bless America and May we continue making America great!

Kenny Gardner

07/09/2019 12:47 PM

The man complaining about Global warming, spending our children’s inheritance etc, needs to understand that Science does NOT prove his point. The model for all that was not updated and that stats are way off. Next is we have a GOD! Sovereign. Man does not over rule Him! The Earth ends when HE says not when we WRONGLY predicted as Man has done since Time began! God will not allow man do destroy himself as he Sent Christ to save us! Now should we take better care of our planet? YES! But this man fails to see the BIGGEST culprit is China. How do you fix that? War? The man is against that. We are to worship the CREATOR and not the CREATED! Balance. Take emotions out of thought and use reason. The left fails to do that and will suffer for it.

kathleen Nauman

07/09/2019 11:59 AM

If the man walked on water they would say it was because he could not swim.Period